Note: This review pertains to an instrumental trans-communication (ITC) session conducted on…read moreSaturday, September 22, 2018. ITC involves the use of devices ("spirit boxes") to facilitate communication with the dead. These devices (both physical boxes and apps) provide white noise and/or chopped up phonetic sounds that spirits can manipulate to form words and sentences. Yes, this is real. I visited Rosario Cemetery the day after a successful ITC session a few miles away at the historic (and very active) Fairview Cemetery. Before I arrived, I knew nothing of its cultural significance, but I later learned that it was established in 1868. For a comprehensive history of Rosario Cemetery, please see Gail P.'s review from three years ago. As I do prior to every session, I introduced myself and assured any spirits present that my intentions were honorable. For this session, I used three well-respected ITC apps: SCD-2 (created by my friend Steve Huff of Huff Paranormal), Spiritus, and Necrophonic. I fired up the SCD-2 and began asking questions such as, "Can you say your name as I approach your grave?" and, "If you are stuck here, is there anything I can do to help?" Replies seldom come through immediately, so patience is a virtue. I surmise that spirits require time to generate the energy necessary to manipulate raw audio into something coherent. For most sessions, I begin receiving replies approximately thirty to forty-five minutes after I begin. On this occasion, however, I documented only four responses throughout the entire ninety-minute session: "Clara," "Susie," "We are in darkness," and "Thanks...John...Michael and the....heart." The names "Clara" and "Susie" came through within a few feet of graves belonging to Clara Mendoza (1896-1988) and Susie Armijo (1932-2006), but I was unable to locate a grave bearing the name John Michael. I typically receive positive affirmations during my sessions, so the "We are in darkness" message was surprising and a bit off-putting. I considered the session a disappointment initially, but then I reviewed my notes and remembered something relevant regarding the name "John Michael." About a year earlier, I conducted a session at home and captured several remarkably clear names that seemed intended for a work associate, Evelyn "Molly" [last name withheld], who has since retired to Miami. Molly and I got along well, but I knew nothing about her family. I wasn't sure how she would react to the messages, but I felt urged to share them with her. I'm glad I had the foresight to save the text conversation that followed: _________________________________________________ October 17, 2017 Me: Molly, this is Ryan from work. We miss you around here. I have a strange question for you...Did you know someone named Cruz who may have passed away recently? I ask because I use devices (similar to ones you may have seen on TV) that can allegedly capture messages from spirits. That name and yours (both Molly *and* Evelyn) have come through several times tonight. You're the only person I know with either of those names. Also, how about the names "John" and "Michael"? Any significance? Those names came in back to back, too. I've also heard the words "sick" and "heart." All of this has been very clear and direct, which is rare. I usually only get a couple of seemingly random words. All of this might mean absolutely nothing, but I wanted to at least check. Molly: I remember you told me you did that. I can't believe it. Cruz was the name of my dad. Really my stepfather. He passed 8 years ago. My eldest son is named John Michael. He has had trouble with blood pressure. I tell him he needs to get it looked at. _________________________________________________ Shortly after our conversation, Molly persuaded her son to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. A stress test revealed that he suffered from a previously undiagnosed heart issue. Was the message from her stepfather a warning? Was the "thanks" message I captured during the session at Rosario Cemetery her stepfather's way of thanking me for communicating that warning to Molly? I see no connection between Molly's family and Rosario Cemetery, so perhaps Cruz seized the opportunity to contact me during an otherwise quiet session. I'm not convinced that Rosario Cemetery is active, but I had a great time exploring the grounds, taking photographs, and admiring the ornate graves and statuary. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has done a remarkable job maintaining the grounds and honoring the many notable individuals buried here.

On the Day of the Dead, Rosario Cemetery is a historic, contemplative spot. It's still in use, so…read moreit hasn't grown creepy with neglect. It's well-maintained, respectful. Tho it was established in the late 19th century, it houses the historic Rosario Chapel to commemorate the victory of De Vargas over the Pueblo Revolt. Despite the fact it's across the street from a mall/grocery store/cineplex, it's quiet and contemplative. It's a sobering, solemn reminder of mortality. Aside from its historic qualities, it is deeply Catholic and spiritual. A place for prayer. One of Santa Fe's quieter corners.